Abstract: A grounding device for connecting the body of a person to a ground point to drain off electrostatic charge from the body of the person. The device includes a conductive band worn on the wrist of the user, a connecting cable and sensing and indicating circuitry for verifying the electrical continuity of the grounding device.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting elongated sample holders in a sample holder storage compartment past an operating station at which sample tubes contained in the sample holders may be removed and then returned to the sample holders. First and second parallel conveyors on opposite sides of the operating station drive the holders toward and away from the operating station. A lateral drive system engages the holders in longitudinal stop positions at opposite ends of the conveyors and drives them laterally between the conveyors to lateral stop positions, one of the holders during lateral movement being driven into and away from an operative position at the operating station. Encoded labels are displayed on each sample holder for indicating the incremental spacing between the sample tubes carried in the sample holder.

Abstract: A rotor adapted for containing a plurality of sample tubes and for retaining the contents of such tubes if any should rupture while in the rotor. The rotor includes an upper shell and a lower shell connected by a central hub interposed therebetween. Provision is made for coupling the hub to a drive shaft. The upper shell has a substantially frustoconical shape and a recessed top surface. The top surface has a form generally corresponding to the interior of an inverted frustum. A plurality of sample tubes are disposed in a circular locus in the top of the rotor. The lower shell of the rotor has a bottom formed with upturned inwardly sloping conical sides. The sides are disposed such that their uppermost portion is proximate the upper shell. In the event that one or more tubes ruptures while in the rotor, the contents will be retained in the lower shell rather than spilling into the rotor chamber.

Abstract: A variable slip drive system for driving a variable speed induction motor. The system includes a tachometer for providing a signal proportional to the speed of the motor and a slip oscillator. The output of the tachometer and slip oscillator are combined by a motor drive oscillator to provide a motor drive signal. The frequency of the motor drive signal equals the tachometer signal, less the frequency of the slip signal. The motor drive signal is converted into a proportional, three-phase, high power signal for powering the motor. The frequency of the slip signal is controlled so as to be proportional to the motor speed as a means of optimizing the motor's performance.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting connector is disclosed which fits between a spindle and the walls of a bore in a rotating member. The connector includes a sleeve encircling the spindle and two flanges located at its opposite ends. Each flange is initially frustoconical, and is forced into substantially a disc shape to grip the spindle and the wall of the bore. The flange at the bottom of the bore is flattened first by a small diameter punch acting against the other end of the sleeve; and the other flange is then flattened by an annular punch encircling the small diameter punch.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting elongated sample holders in a sample holder storage compartment past an operating station at which sample tubes contained in the sample holders may be removed and then returned to the sample holders. First and second parallel conveyors on opposite sides of the operating station drive the holders toward and away from the operating station. Lateral drive means engage the holders in longitudinal stop positions at opposite ends of the conveyors and drive them laterally between the conveyors to lateral stop positions, one of the holders during lateral movement being driven into and away from an operative position at the operating station. Encoded label means are displayed on each sample holder for indicating the incremental spacing between the sample tubes carried in the sample holder.

Abstract: A process for generating high resolution conductive patterns on an insulating substrate. A photosensitive resin coating applied to the surface of a substrate is exposed to a suitable light source through a mask. The unexposed portion of the coating defines the desired conductive pattern which is then coated with a low temperature melting glass powder. The substrate is fired to sinter the glass pattern and fuse it to the substrate. The substrate is then coated with a slurry of fine metal particles suspended in a volatilizable carrier. The substrate is again fired to sinter the metal into a united mass and causing it to fuse only with the low temperature melting glass pattern. The unadhered portions of the metal coating are removed by a washing operation. An exclusively metallic layer is thereby formed on a high resolution glass pattern intermediate layer supported by the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shell type centrifuge rotor formed as a frustoconical shell having a circular rim adjacent at least one end thereof. The lower end of the shell is open, whereas the upper end has a conical recess and a central opening. The recess has an inverted frustoconical sidewall, with a plurality of apertures equally spaced therein and disposed an equal distance from the central opening.A tube holder is mounted in each of the apertures for receiving a centrifuge test tube. The tube holder has a flange configured so as to fit the surface contour of the conical recess so that the flange fully contacts the wall of the conical recess when the tube holder is mounted in the aperture. A hub is mounted in the central opening of the conical recess and couples the frustoconical shell to the centrifuge drive shaft. Means are secured to the hub for partially enclosing the lower end of the frustoconical shell to reduce the windage of the rotor to a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit for generating a voltage for compensating the output of a thermocouple. The circuit provides a compensating voltage to enable the thermocouple to be operated with its reference junction at ambient temperature. The compensation voltage varies linearly with changes in the ambient temperature and passes through zero volts at 0-20 C. The compensation voltage is generated by combining a temperature variable voltage developed across one or more semiconductor junctions with a constant voltage of opposite polarity.

Abstract: A liner for use in a centrifuge rotor bucket for converting a single cavity bucket into a multicavity bucket to provide separate support for at least two flexible fluid sample containers. The liner has a separation ridge which defines at least two areas in the liner, but allows maximum space for receipt of the flexible containers. Handle means are attached to the liner to provide ease in the removal and insertion of the liner into the rotor bucket.

Abstract: A cover having a free-turning knob in its center for use on the rotor of a centrifuge. The knob includes tool means for coupling the knob with a threaded fastener securing the rotor to a drive shaft. Thus, when the cover is positioned on the rotor, the threaded fastener securing the rotor can be tightened or loosened by a turning of the knob. The rotor can thereby be removed and replaced without the use of external tools.